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Electronic data interchange (EDI)

What is EDI?

Electronic data interchange (EDI) is a powerful tool for increasing office productivity and improving cash flow. The benefits of the EDI services offered by Independence Blue Cross (Independence) include:

  • Faster processing and timely error reporting for claims
  • Automated posting of claim payments
  • Real-time verification of a patient’s coverage and cost-sharing responsibility

Upcoming EDI Gateway transition

Over the next year, Independence Blue Cross will transition Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transactions from the Highmark EDI Gateway to Smart Data Solutions (SDS) Stream Clearinghouse.

This is an initial step of our transition to a next generation platform that will help us operate more efficiently and deliver new and innovative products and services. Learn more.

If you have any questions, please email us at gateway.transition@ibx.com.

Getting started with EDI

Highmark, Inc. (Highmark), an independent company, provides the Highmark Gateway to handle EDI transactions on behalf of Independence. You may conduct EDI transactions directly with the Highmark Gateway by registering as a new trading partner. Alternatively, you may contract with a third party that has an existing trading partner relationship with Highmark, such as a billing service or clearinghouse.

To start conducting EDI business with Independence, please take the following steps:

  1. Get your NPI and register it with Independence.
  2. Select a trading partner or sign up as your own trading partner.
  3. Affiliate your NPI with your trading partner to enable electronic transactions.
EDI resources

Trading Partner Business Center

The Trading Partner Business Center is our online resource that provides tools and documentation for conducting EDI business. Visit the Trading Partner Business Center to enable electronic transactions for your NPI or to sign up as your own trading partner.

For questions related to conducting EDI business with Independence via the Highmark Gateway, please call Highmark EDI Operations at 1-800-992-0246. Highmark EDI Operations is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., ET.